A New India
Chapter 237 - 237: Education Reforms - I

The golden rays of the morning sun bathed the tall windows of the Prime Minister's office in South Block.

Rohan sat at his desk, sipping his tea, his mind preoccupied with the next step in his vision for India's progress.

The defense deals were well underway, infrastructure projects under Gati Shakti were transforming the country, and yet, one aspect continued to troubled him: education.

A uniform, modern, and inclusive education system was essential for India to truly leap into the future.

But there was a problem, a deeply rooted one.

"Sir, Minister Chaudhary has arrived," Neeraj announced.

Rohan nodded, motioning for her to let the Education Minister in.

Mira Chaudhary walked in briskly, carrying a thick file labeled "Education Reforms: Religious Schools and State Oversight."

Her expression was a mixture of resolve and trepidation. She knew this discussion would not be easy.

"Mira, good morning," Rohan greeted her warmly, standing to shake her hand. "Thank you for coming so promptly. Please, have a seat."

"Good morning, Prime Minister," Mira replied as she settled into the chair opposite him. "I assume this is about the proposal you mentioned briefly last week?"

Rohan nodded, his expression serious. "Yes. Mira, I've been thinking long and hard about the role of education in shaping our nation. What we've achieved with Gati Shakti so far is remarkable. Schools are being built, literacy is improving, and yet, we're still falling short. The problem lies in the lack of standardization and oversight in many religious schools, particularly madrasas and other institutions that prioritize religious instruction over core education. This cannot continue."

Mira opened her file, her pen ready to take notes. "I agree with the need for oversight, Prime Minister. But the madrasas and similar schools operate with significant autonomy. They're deeply embedded in their communities. Introducing state intervention will provoke backlash, especially from religious leaders."

Rohan leaned forward, his voice firm but calm. "I understand that, Mira. But let me be clear: my primary concern is the misuse of these institutions. Many of them are not just providing religious education; they're actively promoting conversion, targeting Hindu students and pulling them away from their families and traditions. This is unacceptable. If a school teaches Hindu values, that's one thing, it's part of our heritage. But using education as a tool for proselytizing is something I will not tolerate."

Mira hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Prime Minister, the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Any policy that appears to target a specific community could face legal challenges and social unrest."

Rohan's gaze was unwavering. "This isn't about targeting anyone, Mira. It's about fairness and ensuring that education serves its true purpose: to prepare our children for the future. Religious schools that promote conversion are undermining our social fabric. By bringing these institutions under state sponsorship, we can enforce a standardized curriculum while ensuring that their religious teachings remain supplementary, not central."

Mira nodded slowly, scribbling notes. "You're suggesting we make all religious schools madrasas, seminaries, and others state-sponsored, provided they adhere to the CBSE curriculum?"

"Exactly," Rohan replied. "The state will provide funding, trained teachers, and resources, but in return, these schools must follow our guidelines. No more divisive rhetoric, no more conversion agendas. They can teach their religion, but only as an optional subject. The core focus must be literacy, numeracy, science, and history."

Mira leaned back, tapping her pen against her notebook. "Prime Minister, this will require a delicate approach. Many of these schools operate on private donations, often from abroad. If we cut off their independence, they may lose that funding."

"That's a risk we have to take," Rohan said firmly. "We can't allow foreign influence to dictate the education of our children. And frankly, if these donations come with strings attached strings that encourage conversions then it's better we lose them."

Mira exhaled deeply, her thoughts racing. "The implementation will be critical. We'll need to start with a pilot program, targeting states with the highest concentration of such schools. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala..."

Rohan interrupted, "Focus on Uttar Pradesh and Bihar first. They have the largest number of madrasas operating without oversight. We'll start with the underfunded ones offer them financial support and resources in exchange for compliance. Once we show success, the model can be replicated."

Mira nodded, jotting down his suggestions. "We'll also need to develop a communication strategy to address public concerns. If this is framed as an attack on religious freedoms, it could spiral out of control."

"Exactly," Rohan agreed. "We must emphasize that this is about modernization, not marginalization. The message is simple: every child deserves a world-class education. And we're not erasing their religious identity; we're simply ensuring that it doesn't come at the cost of their future."

Mira hesitated before speaking again. "Prime Minister, what about the political implications? The opposition will seize on this to rally minority communities against us. And let's not forget, some factions within our own ranks may have reservations."

Rohan's voice grew firmer. "Mira, leadership isn't about avoiding difficult decisions. It's about making the right ones, even when they're unpopular. The people trust this government because they've seen results. Gati Shakti has transformed their lives they've seen roads, schools, and hospitals being built at a pace they never thought possible. If we communicate this reform effectively, they will understand that it's for the greater good."

Mira nodded, her resolve strengthening. "You're right, Prime Minister. But we'll need allies in this. Community leaders, educators, even religious figures who support modernization they must be part of this effort."

Rohan smiled slightly. "I've already thought of that. Begin identifying moderate voices within these communities. People who understand the value of education and can advocate for these changes. Their involvement will be crucial."

Mira closed her notebook, rising from her seat. "Prime Minister, you've given me much to think about. I'll begin drafting the policy framework and identify the target states for the pilot program. But I must warn you this won't be easy."

Rohan stood as well, his tone resolute. "Nothing worthwhile ever is, Mira. But if we succeed, we'll have laid the foundation for a stronger, more united India. Our children deserve nothing less."

As Mira left the office, Rohan sat back down, his gaze fixed on the map of India that hung on the wall.

He knows the evil of these religious school the will brew poison in the mind of kids and now it's time to end them as soon as possible because after 1979 Iran Revolution if it happens in this world will be hard to counter.

And if there is riots, it's time he shows them this is not Pakistan.